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Letter: No on Measure R

October 12, 2013, 05:00 AM Letter

Editor,

Belmont and Redwood Shores citizens need to think hard about the local parcel tax Measure R on this Nov. 5 ballot.

If passed, it will extend and increase the existing parcel taxes over the next decade by $174 per year, bringing in close to $2 million per year. Homeowners across California have been hit with an increasing number of these “special taxes” that seem to accrue to districts in perpetuity. California districts are poorly managed; recently the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District was the victim of embezzled funds. The recent school district construction bond has run a $4 million deficit. The school district is trying to railroad taxpayers with this measure without providing a certified budget to justify need or how funds will be utilized.

Supporters choose to leave out the most important facts. You already pay hundreds per year on parcel taxes on top of property tax. Californians already pay among the highest income taxes, property taxes and state sales taxes in the nation, and for what? Revenue to the school district has been increasing; through reallocation of property taxes, the district received more than a $1 million. We also just passed Proposition 30, which brings a lot more money into the district.

Stop subsidizing the failures of local government. Reject this measure and put a stop to the unfair parcel tax. Vote no on Measure R and send a message for transparency and responsible budgeting.